MTL301: Ironworker and Bender SBU
In this Safety and Basic Use (SBU) class, learn to safely use the Edwards ironworker. Save time and effort with this highly versatile and powerful tool that shears steel plate (up to 5/8" thick), punches holes (up to 1-1/6" diameter in 5/8" thick steel), notches, and shears angle iron (up to 1/4" x 4" x 4") and round stock. Don’t get held back with drilling times and bit changes. This incredibly powerful machine cuts and punches holes in thick steel almost instantly!

The bender is the perfect partner to the ironworker. Learn to safely bend round and square tube, from 1/2" to over 1-1/2". Bend tube to exact angles and stop wasting time cutting and welding corners!

Project: No project; just practice making cuts, bending tube, and punching holes

In this Safety and Basic Use (SBU) class, learn to use the cutting and shaping tools most commonly needed when working with metal. The tools work best on materials at least 1/8” thick, but some will work on thinner material as well. These tools are designed to work with steel and aluminum. Get hands-on experience using the vertical and horizontal band saw, cold saw, drill press, pedestal grinder, and disc sander.

This class is the perfect companion to the mill, lathe and welding classes.

Learn to safely use the tools most commonly needed to work with sheet metal. Get first-hand experience using the hydraulic shear, turret punch, slitting shear, corner notcher, finger brake (also called a box brake or pan brake) and spot welder in this Safety and Basic Use (SBU) class. Gain the knowledge to shear (cut), fold, bend, and punch holes in sheet metal.

Learn to safely work with sheet metal to form curved shapes in this Safety and Basic Use (SBU) class. Receive hands-on practice with the slip roll, English wheel, planishing hammer, metal shrinker and stretcher, Beverly shear, shot bags, and hammers. Practice these basics techniques and create motorcycle gas tanks, fenders, curved panels, and more!

Project: Turtle shell-shaped piece of aluminum with a beaded edge

Prerequisite(s): MTL104 Sheet Metal Basics SBU is recommended

Equipment access: Slip roll, English wheel, planishing hammer, metal shrinker and stretcher, Beverly shear, shot bags, and hammers. Note: These tools are not used to work with metal thicker than 16 gauge mild steel or aluminum.

Minimum age: 12

Supervision requirements: During class, all 12- to 15-year-old students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is also enrolled in the class.

When using these tools outside of class time, 12- to 15-year-old members must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian who has passed the SBU.

Safety:

Mandatory: Closed-toed shoes, eye protection

Advisable: Hearing protection

Once you take and successfully pass this class, you can use this equipment for your projects whenever you work at TechShop as a member!